The Expanse, #3
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A. Corey
Contents
Chapter Fifteen: Bull
Overview
The Seung Un explodes near the Ring as Holden broadcasts a claim to control it, implicating the OPA. On the Behemoth, Bull and Pa force Ashford to act, firing a missile at the Rocinante to distance themselves. The shot prompts a shipwide power failure, exposing the Behemoth’s untested systems and vulnerability.
Summary
Bull races through the Behemoth as news spreads that the UN destroyer Seung Un has catastrophically exploded and dumped core, scattering hot debris across the traffic lanes. While coordinating internal security and potential rescue support, Bull receives a broadcast from James Holden on the Rocinante claiming the Ring for the OPA and threatening to destroy any ship that approaches.
Fearing Earth and Mars will conflate Holden with the OPA flagship, Bull rushes to the bridge. Ashford hesitates, hoping for clarification from Ceres and to avoid escalation. Bull argues that failing to act will make the Behemoth a target; Michio Pa supports Bull, warning that other fleets will attack first and then blame the OPA regardless.
When the Rocinante turns toward the Behemoth, Ashford finally orders a missile launch and opens tightbeams to Earth and Mars. The Rocinante evades and does not return fire. Immediately after launch, the Behemoth suffers a power failure, revealing untested and unreliable combat systems and leaving the ship briefly blind and vulnerable.
In the darkened bridge lit by flashlights, the crew recognizes they have exposed their weakness to every fleet watching. Bull requests and receives permission to release the chief engineer from house arrest to address the failures, as the Behemoth scrambles to recover control and credibility.
Who Appears
- Carlos "Bull" BacaBehemoth security chief; urges decisive action, mobilizes security, and pushes Ashford to engage the Rocinante.
- Klaes AshfordBehemoth captain; hesitates, then orders a missile fired at the Rocinante; presides over ensuing power failure.
- Michio PaExecutive officer; backs Bull’s argument to engage Holden to avoid wider retaliation against the OPA.
- James HoldenRocinante captain; broadcasts threat claiming the Ring for the OPA, provoking system-wide alarm.
- SergeBull’s aide on comms; relays analysis of Seung Un’s destruction and starts security mobilization.
- Mister ChenBehemoth communications officer; attempts tightbeams to Rocinante and to Earth and Mars command ships.
- Mister CorleyBehemoth weapons officer; powers up missile array and executes the launch against the Rocinante.